democrats offered to raise taxes on households making $450,000. republicans were still hoping for the $550,000. but republicans dropped their demand to cut social security benefits. at that point, joe biden and mitch mcconnell took over negotiations. the two worked together in the senate for 23 years and have a strong history of finding compromise. >> i think there's some good news. the conversations continued late into the night last night. i think now there is a better than 50/50 chance that we will avoid the fiscal cliff by midnight tonight. >> reporter: if the senate comes one a plan and passes it, the -- comes up with a plan and passes, it the house would have to vote on it. kyla campbell, ktvu channel 2 news. >>> 7:16. even if congress avoids the flip, your paycheck will still be smaller in 2013. that's because a temperature reduction in the social security payroll tax expires today. starting in january, workers will, once again, have 6.2% of their wages withheld to pay for social security. that's up from the 4.2% rate that's been in effect